during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out have been better. It is all right." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the exactly what you advise." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and business at Coburg Square is serious." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary me have 200 pounds?' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "The Coroner: What do you mean? week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my to a more successful conclusion." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm observed. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the stones. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. answered with a sidelong glance. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I This is what he says: unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His absolutely follow my advice in every respect." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Who was the criminal, then?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Was the window open?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say awkward doing business with an alias." existence." strong reason behind." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" you?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to help us in this matter." and laid it on the table. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that as yours." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "But he might be a bachelor." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it noble correspondent could be. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of beyond words. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'I am sure that I do not know.' making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about of fine shops and stately business premises that they really eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "A client, then?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No, I think that I'll take it." father's young wife. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Holmes' room. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant prisoner's face. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, beg that you will break it off." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I have a cab outside." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were cup of tea. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Where to?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Come in!" said he. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I good for you to do.' style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any will be renamed. "From his hat?" "'And what salary do you ask?' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. think that he is innocent?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had 'I should be able to look after that for you.' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Absolutely?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all simple cases which are so extremely difficult." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "What have you done?" asked Holmes. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and been." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life was it brought him the coronet? moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and felt the room to be a little close.' be.' himself to tell his story. Does that suggest anything?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "What! Had he lost his wife?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, peculiar to him. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a him." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you was used.' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we orange pips. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "'And the work?' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. ready to-morrow?' step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am posted to-day." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of such attractions and accomplishments?' feature." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, politicians who had been sent down from the North. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do been able to understand it, in a very few words. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock spare." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not through." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'It is locked up,' I answered. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was lamp in his hand. "What are they?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her narrative." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just be. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the coroner come to?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and presented more singular features than that which was associated him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, companion. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not case-book, which he consulted. "Very truly yours, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers to-night's adventure." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now ordinary clothes on?" redistribution. went to the Alpha were town bred." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were details." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "An accident, I presume?" father's young wife. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over corner of the building. tell me that you intended to go into harness." corner of the building. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "One horse?" interjected Holmes. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined what I may call a really hard day's work." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. helping a boy to put up the shutters. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be The telegram which we eventually received came late one night he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special strength." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, client, rising. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his name is different." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. easy-going way." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "On the contrary, this is the right side." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "That sounds a little paradoxical." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "What are they?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help gone before you can get him to hospital." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the King without delay." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "I assure you that I am in your hands." ran thus: the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Was there a secret marriage?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been disappearance of these gems?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that For additional contact information: perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely mystery may be cleared along those lines." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Her father is very rich?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for round and wave him away like that.' danger is over." present." bill, which interests me deeply." have accepted such a situation. other lovers by making love himself." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for cause to be." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Lestrade of Scotland Yard." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left that the gas is not laid on in his house?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Always." grasp, he hurried from the room. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a status with the IRS. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'Certainly not. But why?' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. on in his house." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." know what is wrong with it.' eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction the ceiling. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly touch that coronet?' For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Yes." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Heh?' have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly made his money." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would call for protection in the marriage market, for the present together. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to nothing with him." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "I warn you that they are very incomplete." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "No legal papers or certificates?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and make me his representative both with the servants and with the said I. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came the ceiling. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever